NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said the interim exhibition venue – called Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island – will provide a home for exhibitions while the new world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities are built at Darling Harbour.
“I am pleased to announce the NSW Government is opening this interim venue on time and ready for the 2014 exhibition season,” Mr Stoner said. “This impressive 25,000 square metre site has been completed in just six months with the Government delivering on its promise to provide a place for the industry to do business in 2014, 2015 and 2016. “The venue offers incredible harbour views and has enough space to accommodate Sydney’s largest exhibitions, providing exhibition organisers and visitors with a great experience,” he said. Mr Stoner said the NSW Government had worked closely with the exhibition industry to ensure that the best possible outcome was achieved. “The exhibition industry attracts leading business groups to the State, provides opportunities to showcase local products, and contributes around $100 million per year to the NSW economy,” Mr Stoner said. “Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island will keep Sydney open for business while the important task of revitalising Darling Harbour is underway. “By end of 2016, Darling Harbour will be transformed into a new 20-hectare precinct known as ‘Darling Harbour Live’, which will be home to the new $1 billion world-class convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities, a premium harbour side hotel and increased public space. “The regeneration of Darling Harbour will ensure Sydney remains the first choice in Australia and the Asia Pacific for the major events industry,” he said. Chief Executive of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) Joyce DiMascio said the on-time completion of Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island meant hundreds of thousands companies and visitors could continue to do business. “The opening of this centre is a great achievement – it is good for Sydney, NSW and Australia as business can continue while the new facilities at Darling Harbour are under construction,” she said. “That the facility was built to such a high standard in just six months is a tribute to the level of collaboration between all the parties – it is a great day.” To get to Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island, regular scheduled special event ferries will transport visitors from Darling Harbour and buses will run from Central Station via Darling Harbour. The new facility also has a taxi rank and limited onsite car parking. Special event transport schedules will be tailored for each show with details available at the event website at the time of ticketing or registration.
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